Patricia Anne (Ainsley) Hayes

Patricia Anne Hayes, 75, of Dayton passed away Monday, March 22, 2021 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at noon on Monday, March 29 at St. Columba Church, with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be from 10 am to noon, prior to services, at the church. Due to COVID guidelines, family and friends attending the service will be kindly asked to wear a face covering and maintain social distancing. Pat will be buried at St. Mary's Cemetery in Utica. Ottawa Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. 

Pat was born March 20, 1946 in Ottawa to Donald and Florence (Harmon) Ainsley. She married William J. Hayes on January 8, 1966 at St. Columba Church. They were married for 50 years before his passing on December 6, 2016. Pat was a lifelong member of St. Columba Church. She was a member of the Sons of Norway, where she volunteered countless hours for dinners and events. She was a long-time president of the Sloopers Society and served on the Board of Directors for the Norsk Museum. She was also a past member of the Dayton Women's Club.

Pat's life revolved around her family. She loved caring for her grandchildren and watching them grow up. She enjoyed gardening and was well-known for her grape jelly, which she loved to give away to her family, friends, and neighbors. Pat was a caring and generous woman, spending time volunteering and giving back to her community. 

She is survived by two children, Brad Hayes of LaSalle and Paula Morris of Oglesby; four grandchildren, Jim and Joe Hayes, Justin Goellner, and Leah Morris; two sisters, Barb (Wayne) Fleming of Dayton and Ann (Dan) Nagy of Hales Corner, WI; her brother, Pete (Kris) Ainsley of Dayton; and her nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two sisters, Kay Ainsley and Mary Jo (Ainsley) Chapman. 

Pallbearers will be Jim and Joe Hayes, Justin Goellner, Leah Morris, Bridger and Quentin Ainsley, Adam, Stuart, and Bryan Nagy. 

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. 

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